Frequently Asked Questions
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice of being in the awareness of the present moment to enhance our well-being, through attending to our own body and observing the nature of the mind, which is usually responsible for much of our emotional pain and suffering.
Is mindfulness a Buddhist concept?
Although mindfulness has its roots in Eastern meditative traditions and Buddhist teachings, today it has evolved to be practiced in many parts of the world in a secular, non-religious way that does not involve rituals, prayers or ceremonies.
Is mindfulness compatible with my religious faith?
Mindfulness is practiced in a secular way and hence does not clash with any religious faiths. In fact, many mindfulness practitioners who have their own religious faiths or beliefs find that their mindfulness practice supports them in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and life.
What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation or other contemplative practices?
There are many types of contemplative practices and meditation out there, and one of them is mindfulness meditation, which is the practice of present moment awareness. Mindfulness is also practiced as a way of life - from eating and working to communications and relationships, so that we become more aware of ourselves and how we conduct our lives in the world around us.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Research has suggested that mindfulness helps to reduce stress levels and anxiety, decrease negative rumination, increase positive moods, prevent depression relapse, improve attention, emotional regulation and self-awareness. The practice of mindfulness has also been shown to increase self-compassion as well as enhance communications and relationships. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is one of the most well-researched mindfulness programs currently being taught.
Who can practice mindfulness?
Anyone - adults, elderly or children - from all walks of life and backgrounds, can and are encouraged to practice mindfulness and make mindfulness a part of their lives.
I am very busy. Will I have time to practice mindfulness?
Mindfulness practice requires more commitment and discipline than time. While life can indeed get very busy, a hectic, non-stop way of living can take a great toll on our health and well-being. Therefore, a part of our mindfulness practice is allowing ourselves to recognize the importance of balance and priorities, so that we make time to incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives.
I cannot sit still for very long. Is mindfulness suitable for me?
Mindfulness is not about sitting still. While sitting is required in formal mindfulness practice, we are not just sitting still and doing nothing; we are working hard and training our minds to be less distracted, and more aware and present. Moreover, sitting is not the only mindfulness exercise we do; we also practice mindfulness lying down, walking, stretching or when we are going about our daily lives.
I'm in a mess and I want to fix myself. Is mindfulness suitable for me?
Mindfulness is not about fixing a flaw or problem; instead of aiming to remove, get rid of, or change something we do not like, mindfulness takes on a more self-compassionate approach and cultivates a patient and non-striving attitude, which includes being fully present with ourselves, invoking a gentle curiosity towards understanding the nature of the mind, and being open to new possibilities.
Is mindfulness just a relaxing activity that switches me off from the outside world?
While some people may find mindfulness practice relaxing, mindfulness is not meant to distract us from our problems or shut us off from the outside world. When practicing mindfulness, we learn to rest with our emotions, investigate the cause of our problems and choose how we want to respond to them. Mindfulness is actually the best kind of hard work you could engage your mind in!
Can I just read a book about mindfulness instead of practicing it?
While we agree that books and articles are very beneficial in helping us know more about mindfulness, intellectual understanding does not yield the same benefits as engaging in the actual experience of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a highly experiential process and we invite you to personally experience it through committing to regular practice.
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
The MBSR Program was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 and incepted at the University of Massachusetts' Stress Reduction Clinic. It has since been practiced by a fast-increasing number of people around the world. This structured, well-established program conducted in a small-group setting focuses on intensive mindfulness training and incorporating it into daily life. There have been several programs developed based on the MBSR program, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Conscious Living, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Mindful Self-Compassion, etc.
Who is most suitable to take the MBSR program?
The MBSR program is most suitable for adults aged 18 years and above, from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Do I need prior mindfulness experience to take the MBSR program?
You do not need prior experience in mindfulness, meditation, yoga or other contemplative practices to take the MBSR program.
What is required of an MBSR program participant?
The MBSR participant is encouraged to begin the program with an open mind as well as commitment to practice and learning, and throughout the program will be expected to engage in group dialogues and inquiry in the learning process.
I have medical or psychological conditions. Is MBSR suitable for me?
MBSR has been scientifically shown to be a positive support for a variety of medical and psychological conditions. If you are currently seeing a medical or mental health professional, it would be good to inform your physician or therapist that you are taking up the MBSR program or engaging in mindfulness practice.
How can I get the most out of the MBSR program?
You can get the most out of the MBSR program by ensuring that you fully attend all eight weekly classes and the all day retreat, actively participate in the group learning process, and be committed to the home practice assigned to you between each weekly class. Should you have to miss one or two classes, you may wish to speak with the MBSR teacher about the possibility of arranging for make-up sessions.
Do I need to take notes or recordings during the MBSR program?
We advise that you minimize taking notes in class, and participants are not allowed to take any audio or video recordings of the classes. It is preferable that you focus on fully engaging in the practices and learning process. You will be given audio recordings of guided mindfulness practices as well as handouts for reference at the end of each weekly class; you are also highly encouraged to journal your daily home practice in between each week.
Can I ask the teacher questions during the MBSR program?
There will be time allocated during each class for group dialogues and discussions, whereby participants are encouraged to share their experiences in order to learn from one another. The MBSR teacher serves as a facilitator and guide to practicing mindfulness, and will not engage in philosophical or theoretical discussions. Should you have a separate question about the mindfulness techniques you learned, you may choose to ask the teacher at the end of each class or via email.
Mindfulness is a practice of being in the awareness of the present moment to enhance our well-being, through attending to our own body and observing the nature of the mind, which is usually responsible for much of our emotional pain and suffering.
Is mindfulness a Buddhist concept?
Although mindfulness has its roots in Eastern meditative traditions and Buddhist teachings, today it has evolved to be practiced in many parts of the world in a secular, non-religious way that does not involve rituals, prayers or ceremonies.
Is mindfulness compatible with my religious faith?
Mindfulness is practiced in a secular way and hence does not clash with any religious faiths. In fact, many mindfulness practitioners who have their own religious faiths or beliefs find that their mindfulness practice supports them in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and life.
What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation or other contemplative practices?
There are many types of contemplative practices and meditation out there, and one of them is mindfulness meditation, which is the practice of present moment awareness. Mindfulness is also practiced as a way of life - from eating and working to communications and relationships, so that we become more aware of ourselves and how we conduct our lives in the world around us.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Research has suggested that mindfulness helps to reduce stress levels and anxiety, decrease negative rumination, increase positive moods, prevent depression relapse, improve attention, emotional regulation and self-awareness. The practice of mindfulness has also been shown to increase self-compassion as well as enhance communications and relationships. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is one of the most well-researched mindfulness programs currently being taught.
Who can practice mindfulness?
Anyone - adults, elderly or children - from all walks of life and backgrounds, can and are encouraged to practice mindfulness and make mindfulness a part of their lives.
I am very busy. Will I have time to practice mindfulness?
Mindfulness practice requires more commitment and discipline than time. While life can indeed get very busy, a hectic, non-stop way of living can take a great toll on our health and well-being. Therefore, a part of our mindfulness practice is allowing ourselves to recognize the importance of balance and priorities, so that we make time to incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives.
I cannot sit still for very long. Is mindfulness suitable for me?
Mindfulness is not about sitting still. While sitting is required in formal mindfulness practice, we are not just sitting still and doing nothing; we are working hard and training our minds to be less distracted, and more aware and present. Moreover, sitting is not the only mindfulness exercise we do; we also practice mindfulness lying down, walking, stretching or when we are going about our daily lives.
I'm in a mess and I want to fix myself. Is mindfulness suitable for me?
Mindfulness is not about fixing a flaw or problem; instead of aiming to remove, get rid of, or change something we do not like, mindfulness takes on a more self-compassionate approach and cultivates a patient and non-striving attitude, which includes being fully present with ourselves, invoking a gentle curiosity towards understanding the nature of the mind, and being open to new possibilities.
Is mindfulness just a relaxing activity that switches me off from the outside world?
While some people may find mindfulness practice relaxing, mindfulness is not meant to distract us from our problems or shut us off from the outside world. When practicing mindfulness, we learn to rest with our emotions, investigate the cause of our problems and choose how we want to respond to them. Mindfulness is actually the best kind of hard work you could engage your mind in!
Can I just read a book about mindfulness instead of practicing it?
While we agree that books and articles are very beneficial in helping us know more about mindfulness, intellectual understanding does not yield the same benefits as engaging in the actual experience of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a highly experiential process and we invite you to personally experience it through committing to regular practice.
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
The MBSR Program was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 and incepted at the University of Massachusetts' Stress Reduction Clinic. It has since been practiced by a fast-increasing number of people around the world. This structured, well-established program conducted in a small-group setting focuses on intensive mindfulness training and incorporating it into daily life. There have been several programs developed based on the MBSR program, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Conscious Living, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Mindful Self-Compassion, etc.
Who is most suitable to take the MBSR program?
The MBSR program is most suitable for adults aged 18 years and above, from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Do I need prior mindfulness experience to take the MBSR program?
You do not need prior experience in mindfulness, meditation, yoga or other contemplative practices to take the MBSR program.
What is required of an MBSR program participant?
The MBSR participant is encouraged to begin the program with an open mind as well as commitment to practice and learning, and throughout the program will be expected to engage in group dialogues and inquiry in the learning process.
I have medical or psychological conditions. Is MBSR suitable for me?
MBSR has been scientifically shown to be a positive support for a variety of medical and psychological conditions. If you are currently seeing a medical or mental health professional, it would be good to inform your physician or therapist that you are taking up the MBSR program or engaging in mindfulness practice.
How can I get the most out of the MBSR program?
You can get the most out of the MBSR program by ensuring that you fully attend all eight weekly classes and the all day retreat, actively participate in the group learning process, and be committed to the home practice assigned to you between each weekly class. Should you have to miss one or two classes, you may wish to speak with the MBSR teacher about the possibility of arranging for make-up sessions.
Do I need to take notes or recordings during the MBSR program?
We advise that you minimize taking notes in class, and participants are not allowed to take any audio or video recordings of the classes. It is preferable that you focus on fully engaging in the practices and learning process. You will be given audio recordings of guided mindfulness practices as well as handouts for reference at the end of each weekly class; you are also highly encouraged to journal your daily home practice in between each week.
Can I ask the teacher questions during the MBSR program?
There will be time allocated during each class for group dialogues and discussions, whereby participants are encouraged to share their experiences in order to learn from one another. The MBSR teacher serves as a facilitator and guide to practicing mindfulness, and will not engage in philosophical or theoretical discussions. Should you have a separate question about the mindfulness techniques you learned, you may choose to ask the teacher at the end of each class or via email.